How Adopting Japhy from the Blue Ridge Humane Society Changed Our Lives

Whoever said money can’t buy love never paid an adoption fee. I’ll be forever grateful to the Blue Ridge Humane Society for rescuing Japhy from a hoarding situation and giving him a chance at a new life. We went to the shelter looking for a border collie I had found online, but the moment I saw him—quietly perched on a cot in the last kennel—our eyes locked and I fell in love. His tail wagged in circles like a propeller, and I knew right then he was special.

We adopted Japhy a little over six years ago. While we likely saved his life that day, it’s clear he’s the one who saved us in countless ways. From the shelter to our home, he has reshaped our routines, our priorities, and the way we experience the outdoors. His joy is infectious and his enthusiasm for adventure has reignited our own love for being outside. It doesn’t matter where we go or what we do—if we’re together, it’s an adventure.

Hiking is one of Japhy’s favorite activities, and hiking together has become our way of staying active and deepening the bond between us. He has a way of pulling me into the moment and making me notice things I would otherwise miss. I remember a recent walk along an old logging road through a wilderness area: we crossed a wide meadow and I was staring at the Blue Ridge Mountains when Japhy’s stance changed. He sniffed the air, pricked his ears, and fixed his gaze on something about 100 feet away. There stood a graceful deer, watching us from the trees—completely unnoticed by me until Japhy alerted me. That moment is permanently etched in my memory. I rewarded him with his favorite treats, not only for finding the deer but for staying by my side and resisting the instinct to chase.

Coming from a hoarding background, food and routine were challenges early on. Japhy would hide food around the house and on some days he wouldn’t eat at all. That unpredictability worried me, especially on hike days when breakfast matters. After patience, trial and error, and a recommendation from our veterinarian, we found a food that finally suited him. He responds well to Wellness Pet Food, particularly the Wild Game recipe, and that reliable nutrition helped him settle into a healthy routine. Now he wakes up, eats breakfast, and depending on the day, either dozes off or eagerly heads out for an adventure. On adventure days we share lunch on mountaintops or beside waterfalls—simple moments that feel extraordinary.

Japhy brings more happiness into our home than I ever imagined possible. Coming through the door to the greeting he gives is an unbeatable feeling: full of excitement, affection, and sincerity. On the days I feel low, he has an uncanny ability to comfort me without trying—he simply exists, and everything seems better. His presence has taught me the true meaning of unconditional love. He is my best friend, a constant source of joy, and a daily motivation to be active and present.

Adopting a rescue dog requires patience, consistency, and compassion, but the rewards are immeasurable. Japhy’s progress—from a frightened dog who hid food to a confident hiking companion who explores the Blue Ridge with boundless curiosity—reminds me that love, time, and good nutrition can heal trauma. I want to give him the best life possible because he has already given me so much: loyalty, laughter, and countless small moments that add up to a whole new way of living.

Follow more of Japhy’s adventures on Instagram @blueridgemutt, and look out for the #NationalMuttDay takeover on @Wellnesspetfood on July 31st. If you’re considering adoption, remember that shelters are full of dogs waiting to become your next great companion—sometimes the best decisions are the ones that change both your life and theirs.